Citizen reports help police nab 6 suspected burglars

Residents who witnessed potential crimes in progress, and called police without hesitation, aided Long Beach Police in making six burglary arrests in six days.

On June 4, 2010, a residential burglary occurred in the 200 block of 68th Street. A citizen in the area called police to report glass shattering and a subject looking into a neighbor’s residence. Patrol units were able to quickly set up a perimeter and contain the area. Based on the descriptions of the suspects and their vehicle, patrol units, with the assistance of K-9 officers, conducted a search of the area and took three suspects into custody. Nineteen-year-old Brian Torres of Long Beach and two 17-year-olds males, also from Long Beach, were arrested and booked for residential burglary. The victim’s loss, which included electronics, jewelry and money, were recovered from the suspects and returned.

On June 8, 2010, a resident called in to report two subjects who were seen breaking into a neighbors’ back door in the 200 block of Adams Avenue. Police arrived on scene and the suspects immediately fled from the residence. Officers gave chase and on foot and apprehended 29-year-old Ellieizar Williams of Inglewood and 22-year-old Raphael Newell of Los Angeles. Both were booked for residential burglary. Items taken from the home, which included jewelry and money, were recovered and returned to the victim.

On June 9, 2010, a residential burglary occurred in the 5900 block of Olive Avenue. A neighbor called the police to report a suspect walking out from the victim’s residence holding a white box. Based on the neighbor’s description of the suspect, patrol units were able to establish a perimeter around the suspect’s last known location. Patrol and K-9 officers conducted a search and 18-year-old Anthony Watson of Long Beach was located inside a large recycle bin, taken into custody, and booked for residential burglary. The suspect had the victim’s property, which included several pieces of jewelry, in his possession at the time of the arrest.

In all three incidents, alert residents provided crucial information to police immediately upon witnessing the activity. These actions supplied police with critical information that offered them the ability to respond and act quickly, ultimately leading to the arrests. These residents served as eyes and ears to the police, and their actions are an excellent example of how residents and police can work together to impact crime and improve the quality of life throughout our community. Anyone who may have additional information regarding these incidents should contact Detective David Fritz at 562) 570-9818. Anyone witnessing suspicious individuals or activity is always strongly encouraged to call 9-1-1 immediately.